Grace Onyango was a prominent Kenyan politician and diplomat. She was the first woman to be elected as a mayor in Kenya, serving as the mayor of Kisumu from 1970 to 1977. Onyango was also the first woman to be elected to the Kenyan parliament, serving as a Member of Parliament from 1969 to 1974.

Throughout her career, Onyango was a strong advocate for women’s rights and played a key role in advancing the position of women in Kenyan society. She was also a champion for democracy and social justice, working to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and corruption.

In addition to her political career, Onyango also served as Kenya’s ambassador to the United Nations from 1987 to 1992. She was widely respected both in Kenya and internationally for her leadership, courage, and dedication to public service.

She was born on June 26, 1924, in Kisumu, Kenya. Onyango was a member of the Luo ethnic group and grew up in a political family. Her father, Thomas Joseph Mboya, was a prominent trade unionist and political leader who played a key role in Kenya’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule.

Lifetime Journey of her Career and Achievements

Grace Onyango had a long and varied career, spanning education, social work, politics, and philanthropy. Here are some of the key milestones:

• Education: Onyango began her career as a teacher, training at the Kagumo Teachers College in Nyeri, Kenya, in the 1950s. She went on to teach at various schools in Kenya and Tanzania.
• Social work: In the 1960s, Onyango became involved in social work, working with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Tanzania and later in Kenya. She also served as the national chairperson of the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO), a women’s rights group.
• Politics: Onyango entered politics in 2002, running for the Kisumu East parliamentary seat as a member of the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) party. She won the election, becoming the first woman to represent the constituency in parliament.
• Philanthropy: Throughout her life, Onyango was known for her philanthropy and community service. She supported a variety of causes and organizations, including schools, hospitals, and women’s groups.

Some of the notable achievements and milestones in Onyango’s career include:

• Leading efforts to establish the Kisumu Hospice, a palliative care centre for terminally ill patients in western Kenya.
• Advocating for the rights of women and girls, including through her work with MYWO.
• Sponsoring the education of many children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including orphans and those affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Serving as a mentor and role model to many young people in her community.
• Onyango’s legacy continues to inspire many in Kenya and beyond, particularly in the areas of women’s rights, social justice, and community development.

Remarkable work

Grace Onyango’s work in advancing women’s rights and promoting social justice in Kenya was truly remarkable. She was a trailblazer in a country and a time where women’s voices were often ignored or dismissed, and she worked tirelessly to ensure that women were not only included but also empowered to take on leadership roles and make meaningful contributions to society.

As the first woman to be elected as a mayor in Kenya, Onyango demonstrated that women were just as capable as men when it came to political leadership. She used her position to advocate for better services and infrastructure for the people of Kisumu, and also championed women’s issues such as access to education and healthcare.

Onyango’s role as a Member of Parliament and later as Kenya’s ambassador to the United Nations further cemented her legacy as a leader and advocate for human rights. She was a vocal critic of corruption and abuses of power, and worked to ensure that the voices of marginalized communities were heard at the highest levels of government.

Overall, Grace Onyango’s contributions to Kenyan society were significant and enduring, and she remains an inspiration to many people both in Kenya and around the world.

Cause of death

Grace Onyango passed away on Wednesday evening at around 5PM, at the age of 99. The cause of her death was not publicly disclosed, but it was reported that she had been admitted to the hospital due to health complications.